Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney

Deputy Commonwealths Attorney

Salary

Negotiable

Location

General District Court Building, Hampton, VA

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Job Number

09543

Department

COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY

Opening Date

09/01/2026

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Function

Are you a seasoned legal professional looking to take the next step in your career while making a meaningful difference in your community? The City of Hampton is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney to join our leadership team. In this vital role, you will supervise a team of prosecutors, oversee complex criminal litigation, and act on behalf of the Commonwealth's Attorney when necessary. This is a unique opportunity to guide legal strategy, mentor attorneys, and have a direct impact on justice in Hampton. If youre ready to lead with integrity, inspire others, and advance public safety, we welcome your application. Come join us and lead a team of Prosecutors in the mission of serving the citizens of Hampton!

• This is an executive position and the associated salary is negotiable. Remote work is also incorporated into the positions regular work schedule.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree.
• Must be an active member in good standing in the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice. Must be Licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia

OR

• Must be eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. Candidates selecting this option must clearly indicate the basis for their eligibility and provide an anticipated timeline for obtaining admission.
• Requires the completion of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course or its equivalent.
• Requires six (6) years of experience as a criminal prosecutor OR 4 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor AND 4 years of experience in the general practice of law.
• Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
• An acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria outlined above.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license and a satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Must have the ability to analyze, appraise, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle a substantial caseload of considerable volume, including major cases involving a high degree of seriousness and complexity.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a broad range of individuals and resolve problems promptly and diplomatically. In addition, requires the ability to present serious and complex cases in court and the ability to speak extemporaneously and persuasively.
• Requires extensive contact with the general public, court officials, representatives of law enforcement and judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, as well as other public and private organizations.
• Requires continuing legal education.
• Requires extensive research and analysis requiring hours beyond the normal 40 hour work week.
• Requires some evening meetings.
• This is an exempt position.
• The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click here for a complete job description.

Examples of Work

• Direct supervision of a team of attorneys, professional, technical, and support staff assigned to that team.
• Ensures consistent management of all cases in accordance with policies set by the Commonwealths Attorney.
• Prepares and prosecutes difficult and complex multi-defendant violent felonies, including capital murder cases; including research, witness interviews, negotiations with defense counsel, and preparation of jury instructions.
• Handles regular and investigative Grand Juries as assigned.
• Ensures that performance standards applicable to all staff positions are met.
• Acts as a liaison with other City, State and Federal agencies and officials relating to the operations of the Commonwealths Attorneys office.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other judicial agencies, victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers and the public at large.
• Maintains accurate files, appropriately documenting in writing all actions, providing sufficient justification to support recommendations on all issues.
• Handles inquiries and concerns from the public.
• Adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility for Attorneys
• Monitors appellate briefs prepared by the attorney staff.
• Interviews and evaluates prospective attorney candidates.
• Demonstrates punctual and regular attendance
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Plans
• EAP Provider: ComPsych
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts
• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Chubb Term Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Virginia 529
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA
• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
• Maternity Leave
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Care for Sick Parent Leave
• Birthday Leave
• Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Years Day

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Presidents Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

• Employees birthday

• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS1-888-827-3847) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.

• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.

• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement(1-800-669-7400). For more information, visit Mission Square.

• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.

• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.

• Employees are covered for Workers Compensation where appropriate.

• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at 1-877-327-2872 or see the Guidance Resources Website.

01

Have you graduated from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar and authorized to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

• Yes, I am an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• No, but I am eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar. (If selected, please describe the basis for your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission below.)
• None of the above.

03

If you stated that you were eligible for admission to the Virginia State Bar please explain your eligibility and provide your anticipated timeline for admission. ( If this does not apply please type in N/A)

04

Which of the following best describes your years of experience as a criminal prosecutor?

• 1 year
• 2 -3 years
• 4 -5 years
• 6 or more years

05

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in the general practice of law?

• 1 year
• 2 - 3 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 6 or more years

06

Which of the options below best describes your supervisory experience?

• No experience
• 1-2 years experience
• 3-4 years experience
• 5 or more years experience

07

I understand that this position requires the completion of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course or its equivalent.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand I must submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample with my on-line application in order to be considered for this position.

• Yes
• No

09

I understand this position requires continuing legal education in subjects affecting municipal law.

• Yes
• No

10

This position may require that you possess a valid drivers license and have a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton criteria. Failure to provide your drivers license number will prevent us from considering your application. Please confirm your drivers license number by entering it below:

11

I understand I must successfully complete a criminal background check if I am offered this position.

• Yes
• No

12

I understand that this position is exempt and requires some occasional evening meetings and some occasional work beyond a 40 hour work week.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hampton

Address 22 Lincoln Street

Hampton, Virginia, 23669

Phone (757) 727-6407

Website http://www.hampton.gov/hr